Sun Tzu Quotes - Page 7

He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks.

One defends when his strength is inadequate, he attacks when it is abundant.

Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory.

There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard.

He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces.

There are routes not to be followed, armies not to be attacked, citadels not to be besieged, territory not to be fought over.

Winning isn't enough. The acme of all skill is to defeat your enemy before taking the field.

Rapidity is the essence of war: take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots.

The skillful tactician may be likened to the shuai-jan. Now the shuai-jan is a snake that is found in the Ch'ang mountains. Strike at its head, and you will be attacked by its tail; strike at its tail, and you will be attacked by its head; strike at its middle, and you will be attacked by head and tail both.

Go into emptiness, strike voids, bypass what he defends hit him where he does not expect you.

He who exercises no forethought but makes light of his opponents is sure to be captured by them.

And therefore those skilled in war bring the enemy to the field of battle and are not brought there by him.

When you shoot a bow and arrow, you aim at the clouds, not because you expect to hit them, but so that you may reach the distant target on the ground.

The best general is the one who never fights.

In the midst of difficulties we are always ready to seize an advantage, we may extricate ourselves from misfortune.

Therefore the skillful leader subdues the enemy's troops without any fighting; he captures their cities without laying siege to them; he overthrows their kingdom without lengthy operations in the field.

What is of the greatest importance in war is extraordinary speed: One cannot afford to neglect opportunity.

All warfare is based on deception. If your enemy is superior, evade him. If angry, irritate him. If equally matched, fight and if not: split and re-evaluate.

A sovereign of high character and intelligence must be able to know the right man, should place the responsibility on him, and expect results.

Throw your soldiers into positions whence there is no escape, and they will prefer death to flight. If they will face death, there is nothing they may not achieve.

Energy may be likened to the bending of a crossbow; decision, to the releasing of a trigger.

It is the business of a general to be quiet and thus ensure secrecy; upright and just, and thus maintain order.

Every battle is won before it is fought.

If the enemy opens the door, you must race in.

For the wise man delights in establishing his merit, the brave man likes to show his courage in action, the covetous man is quick at seizing advantages, and the stupid man has no fear of death.